Environment

The U.S. EPA is moving forward with updates to its TSCA PFAS reporting rule. Following its May decision to delay the reporting period, the agency has indicated plans to incorporate exemptions and other changes aimed at reducing industry burden—including a likely carve-out for imported articles containing PFAS.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected in December 2025, with a final rule anticipated in June 2026. The current reporting deadline is Oct. 13, 2026, but it may be extended as revisions progress. 9/17/2025

According to recent reports, the U.S. EPA has asked a federal court to vacate its 2024 drinking water limits for four PFAS chemicals, citing procedural flaws in how the standards were set. Limits for PFOA and PFOS remain unaffected and are still being defended.

A ruling is expected to shape whether these “Index PFAS” standards stand or are reissued through new rulemaking, with compliance deadlines currently set for 2029. 9/17/2025

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to end its Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). Currently, the GHGRP applies to certain large industrial facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent, carbon dioxide injection sites and fuel and industrial gas suppliers. This equates to over 8,000 facilities nationwide.

The proposal would remove 46 out of 47 greenhouse gas source categories from the program, leaving only the waste emissions charge in place, a methane emissions fee. The EPA claimed in their press release that the GHGRP “is not directly related to a potential regulation and has no material impact on improving human health and the environment.”

They also estimate that the removal of reporting could save businesses up to $2.4 billion. The EPA posted a fact sheet and will soon open their proposal to public comments. 9/17/2025

OMA Connections Partner BSI provides an update

on what’s happening with the EPA’s Clean Air Act rule governing reclassification of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) sources. For decades, facilities labeled “major sources” had to meet strict Maximum Achievable Control Technology standards under the “Once In, Always In” policy. EPA’s 2024 rule would have required certain facilities tied to seven high-priority HAPs to maintain those standards even after lowering emissions and reclassifying as “area sources.”

Congress overturned the rule in June 2025, though EPA is still considering future regulatory actions. 9/11/2025

The US Environmental Protection Agency has released updated guidance on New Source Review preconstruction permitting, streamlining one of the earliest steps in developing new manufacturing projects. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the changes will make the process clearer and faster while safeguarding air quality—paving the way for new power generation, data centers and production facilities. By reducing delays and uncertainty, this commonsense reform is expected to drive investment, create jobs and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. 9/11/2025

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration can terminate more than $16 billion in climate-related grants created under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The grants, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, had been awarded to nonprofit organizations through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The court determined that disputes over the funds were contractual and should be heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and also found the EPA acted within its discretion.

Manufacturers monitoring federal climate and energy programs are likely to see continued shifts in funding priorities under the Trump administration. 9/3/2025

Twenty-three Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the agency to end funding for the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and its Climate Judiciary Project.

The officials argue the program promotes biased climate education to judges and amounts to political advocacy funded by taxpayers. ELI, which received more than $600,000 in EPA grants in 2024, maintains that its judicial education efforts are fact-based, science-driven, and independent of federal funding. The EPA has said it is reviewing the letter and will respond through official channels. 8/26/2025

According to a recent USA TODAY article, new EPA data shows that several Greater Cincinnati water systems have PFAS levels above the federal limit established in 2024.

Kings Island’s water system measured 6.3 times the limit, Loveland 4 times, Indian Hill 2.9 times, Morrow 2.5 times, Batavia 2.3 times, Milford 2 times, Bethel 1.9 times, and the Cincinnati Public Water System 1.3 times. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that break down slowly and are commonly found in water, soil, air, and various consumer products. Public water systems are required to monitor for PFAS and report any exceedances to the public. 8/21/2025

The Environmental Protection Agency last week announced the termination of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, originally launched under the Biden administration.

The program’s cancellation was attributed to the repeal of its funding authority under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with Cleveland.com reporting that Ohio would lose $250 million with the cancellation. The grants were allocated to roughly 60 recipients, including states, tribal nations, nonprofits, and local governments. 8/12/2025

The Environmental Protection Agency is weighing a move to cancel $7 billion in grants awarded under the Biden administration’s “Solar for All” program, prompting concern among low- and moderate‑income households nationwide.

The grants—disbursed in 2024 to about 60 nonprofits, tribes, and state agencies—were intended to help vulnerable communities install solar energy. Sources say the EPA may send termination letters to recipients as early as this week. An EPA spokesperson cited implementation of the newly enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill” in affirming the action aligns with congressional intent. To date, the EPA has not made a final decision. 7/24/2025

In a Senate confirmation hearing last Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Jon Husted questioned the effectiveness of the Greater Cleveland E‑Check emissions testing program, arguing it may no longer serve its intended air quality goals.

The program, initially credited with helping achieve federal air quality standards, now faces scrutiny amid changing vehicle technology. With most cars passing current tests easily, critics argue it may no longer be the best approach.

The proposal marks a significant shift in Ohio’s regulatory approach to emissions oversight, with potential relief for motorists and changes in local environmental policy. A federal decision on E‑Check waivers could reshape how air quality is managed in Northeast Ohio. 7/24/2025

A proposal by the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency seeks to rescind the 2009 “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gases as a health threat under the Clean Air Act.

The move would dismantle the legal basis for major climate regulations targeting vehicle emissions, power plants, and methane leaks. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described it as “the greatest day of deregulation our nation has seen,” framing it as a boost for energy jobs and lower costs. 7/24/2025

The OMA’s Environment Committee this week celebrated a key win for removing Ohio’s Air Nuisance Rule from its State Implementation Plan (SIP).

The OMA secured language in the state operating budget that requires the Ohio EPA to petition the U.S. EPA to remove the rule, protecting Ohio manufacturers from duplicative and

The committee also heard a presentation from Battelle on PFAS, including past and upcoming bans and restrictions, key challenges, and strategies for risk and liability management. 7/16/2025

The next OMA Environment Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 16, where members will get key updates on state and federal environmental policy.

Featured speakers from Ohio EPA and Battelle will cover new state budget initiatives, proposed PFAS regulations, and federal rules under reconsideration. Plus, OMA staff will share the latest on the state budget and advocacy efforts. 7/10/2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed 139 employees on administrative leave this week after they publicly criticized the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks and staffing cuts in an open letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The employees, who signed the letter using their official titles, are now under investigation as part of what Administrator Lee Zeldin called a “zero tolerance” policy against internal sabotage. The mass leave marks one of the largest coordinated acts of dissent and disciplinary responses at the EPA in years, raising concerns about disruption to the agency’s operations. 7/10/2025

Among the thousands of law changes tucked into the voluminous state budget bill was a provision that directed the Ohio EPA to remove a state-level air nuisance rule from the federal Clean Air Act implementation plan for the state of Ohio. The OMA led the charge to rid this private right of action that had been abused too often against businesses operating within the scope of their EPA permits.

OMA Managing Director of Public Policy Service James Lee remarked that he thanks state lawmakers for approving this important, common-sense business protection. Simultaneously, the OMA has been urging the U.S. EPA to rescind the federal requirement. This important win will be discussed at the July 16 meeting of the OMA Environment Committee. 6/25/2025

The Environmental Protection Agency has instructed regional employees in the industrial Midwest to ease enforcement of violations against oil and gas companies, according to multiple internal sources.

The directive, reportedly issued verbally in recent months, extends to Region 5, which includes Ohio, as well as parts of Region 6, covering Texas and Louisiana. Data from the Environmental Integrity Project shows enforcement actions across industries fell roughly 32% in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period under the Biden administration.

EPA officials describe the move as part of a broader deregulation push by Administrator Lee Zeldin under President Trump, though the agency maintains inspections and enforcement remain ongoing. 6/16/2025

Ohio manufacturers are hitting pause on major decarbonization projects as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pulls back on promised funding, creating widespread uncertainty. Cleveland-Cliffs is expected to scrap its $500 million hydrogen-based steel initiative at Middletown Works after DOE rescinded a key $527 million grant. The company will instead continue with traditional coal-fired operations, citing both funding cuts and supply chain challenges.

The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) also raised concerns about DOE abruptly canceling multiple decarbonization projects in the glass sector.

Manufacturers warn that inconsistent federal support could stall U.S. clean energy progress and undermine onshoring efforts. 6/10/2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to double chemical review user fees from $5 million in fiscal 2025 to $11 million in 2026, aiming to offset deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

The EPA’s overall funding is set to drop by 54%, eliminating over 1,200 positions and slashing science and technology programs by 35%. Enforcement and community revitalization efforts would also face major reductions. To compensate, the agency intends to increase fees under the Toxic Substances Control Act and rely more on Superfund taxes and legal settlements for site cleanups. 6/5/25

In response to the recent introduction of House Bill 272 (HB 272), a measure that would impose sweeping new restrictions on PFAS and food additives in consumer products, OMA Counsel at Bricker Graydon has produced a detailed memo outlining the bill’s impact on Ohio manufacturers.

As introduced, HB 272 would impose strict new limits on PFAS and food additives, mirroring regulations seen in California and the EU. The bill also bans some FDA-approved ingredients and imposes significant compliance costs and penalties.

This bill will be discussed in depth at the June 5 Government Affairs Committee and the July 16 Environment Committee meetings. 5/29/25